Now that Stuart Fails To Save The Universe’s synopsis has been revealed, it is clear that The Big Bang Theory’s next spinoff will take a hammer to the sitcom’s iconic fictional universe. The Big Bang Theory’s finale left the door open for new additions to the show’s fictional universe, as did Young Sheldon’s ending.
However, The Big Bang Theory’s next spinoff, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, is instead taking the exact opposite approach. The show will literally destroy The Big Bang Theory’s universe, and it sounds like it will have fun doing so. Per the official synopsis from HBO Max (via Variety):
“Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Brian Posehn), and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie). Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well.”
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Can Go Full Meta With Destroying The Big Bang Theory Universe
The Big Bang Theory’s Universe Is The New Sitcom’s Primary Target
Much like the real-life universe started with the Big Bang (in theory), Stuart Fails To Save The Universe will begin with Stuart destroying The Big Bang Theory’s universe. This promising meta concept will allow the show to explore different versions of The Big Bang Theory’s characters, but it will also quite literally destroy the original versions of the characters that viewers already know and love.
Howard and Sheldon changed a lot from their season 1 selves, but Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is doing something radically different by literally destroying the show’s original characters.
While The Big Bang Theory’s finale had its divisive elements, the show stopped short of destroying its characters altogether. Howard’s transformation into a family man and Sheldon’s gradual growth into a more considerate friend meant they changed a lot from their season 1 selves, but Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is doing something radically different by literally destroying the show’s original characters.
Its Alternate Reality Concept Keeps The Returning Characters From Getting Stale
The Big Bang Theory Spinoff’s Character Comebacks Can Feel Fresh and Original This Way
This means that, if The Big Bang Theory’s main cast members do return in Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, their actors will get to play different versions of the same characters. Whether any of them will be regular supporting characters or just one-off episode cameos remains to be seen, but this is a fun change of pace either way.
If Stuart Fails To Save The Universe focuses primarily on Kripke, Denise, Bert, and its eponymous hero over The Big Bang Theory cameos, the show is guaranteed to feel fresh thanks to its new lead characters. However, even if The Big Bang Theory characters do regularly return for Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, this multiverse setup means viewers will still get to see completely new, original versions of them.
